Linda Ellis is a million-selling poet, speaker and inspirational author whose words have touched hearts and lives around the world. She began her professional journey in the corporate world, yet beneath the surface, her true calling was quietly taking shape.

That calling found its voice in The Dash—the now-famous poem that has inspired millions to reflect on the meaning of life, legacy, and the choices made between the dates on a headstone. The poem’s extraordinary impact became a turning point, encouraging Ms. Ellis to follow her creative path fully and dedicate her life to writing and speaking. She has spoken for Rotary Clubs in the past, and even written a special poem for them titled: "A Rotarian's Dash," which matches the theme of her speech -- how you live your dash.

She has authored and co-authored books including: The Dash – Making a Difference with Your Life (Sourcebooks) Live Your Dash, (Sterling Publishing) Joe’s Dash (A Biography published by Huntington Press) and shares her works regularly through various social media outlets. Her work combines poetic storytelling with practical wisdom, offering readers encouragement, perspective, and the motivation to live intentionally. Through her writing and presentations, Linda Ellis continues to remind people that it’s not the years in a life that matter most—but the life lived within those years. Linda is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who often receives a standing ovation!

• Various Rotary Clubs
• Ripley County Community Foundation
• Brian Grant Foundation/Parkinson’s Albany (New York)
• Frank Fletcher, Arkansas
• Pekin Insurance
• Wisconsin Cheese
• Kaskaskia College
• Jaymie Jamison Foundation
• Kaneland CUSD
• Panelist: The Creative Connection

Linda Ellis is a million-selling poet, speaker and inspirational author whose words have touched hearts and lives around the world. She began her professional journey in the corporate world, yet beneath the surface, her true calling was quietly taking shape.

That calling found its voice in The Dash—the now-famous poem that has inspired millions to reflect on the meaning of life, legacy, and the choices made between the dates on a headstone. The poem’s extraordinary impact became a turning point, encouraging Ms. Ellis to follow her creative path fully and dedicate her life to writing and speaking.

She has authored and co-authored books including: The Dash – Making a Difference with Your Life (Sourcebooks) Live Your Dash, (Sterling Publishing) Joe’s Dash (A Biography published by Huntington Press) and shares her works regularly through various social media outlets. Her work combines poetic storytelling with practical wisdom, offering readers encouragement, perspective, and the motivation to live intentionally. Through her writing and presentations, Linda Ellis continues to remind people that it’s not the years in a life that matter most—but the life lived within those years. Linda is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who often receives a standing ovation!

• Various Rotary Clubs
• Ripley County Community Foundation
• Brian Grant Foundation/Parkinson’s Albany (New York)
• Frank Fletcher, Arkansas
• Pekin Insurance
• Wisconsin Cheese
• Kaskaskia College
• Jaymie Jamison Foundation
• Kaneland CUSD
• Panelist: The Creative Connection